Is Direct Support Professional (DSP) the Right Career for You?

People with intellectual or physical disabilities do have equal rights, just like you. However, it is not always possible for them to lead as normal a life as most. From carrying out daily chores to working in the community, they may need the support of others. That's where a DSP comes in. The job of a Direct Support Professional is exciting and enriching. Every day can present a new challenge but is usually finished with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. To help others lead a meaningful life, you can be trained as a direct support professional as a career opportunity. As a DSP, you will be able to assist the individuals not only to lead an ordinary daily life but also help them learn some basic life skills to integrate into their community. The role of the DSP is surely not a cakewalk and is only for those people who have a caring attitude and would like to help others to lead a quality life. Benefits of choosing a career You need to understand that a DSP professional can do a whole lot more than others out there. Here is a look at the positive side of choosing DSP as a career:

• You can help the disabled person to build their confidence levels and learn new skills that would surely help them to lead a fulfilling life without depending on others.
• You can take pride in witnessing the participant's first successful steps in achieving something they might not have thought possible in their life.
• There is great satisfaction of making a difference in another's life.

However, you should also checkout the other side of being a DSP.

• Status and recognition is very low for a DSP, and you need to build a credible portfolio at first.
• Salary often doesn't cross more than the federal minimum wage if you are inexperienced, don't have a portfolio or aren't serious about it as a career option.
• The job often requires working indoors with participants with no recognition of your efforts by the general public.

If you want to help people to achieve their dreams with dignity and respect, you can surely take up DSP as a career option. For this, you need to meet the minimum requirements of being above 18 years age with required educational level and complete the competency based training program. Competency based training mandatory for all DSP's who intend to work in community care settings.